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Rhubarb (Rheum barbarum) is very popular in Germany. It is often used in cakes and as a compote. Botanically, rhubarb is a vegetable and a perennial. In general, the knotweed plant is very robust and easy to care for. The rhubarb has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. During this period, it is advisable to transplant the stem vegetables after a few years.
Transplant rhubarb
Transplant every seven years
Rhubarb is a heavy feeder. It constantly needs large amounts of nutrients, which is why it quickly depletes the soil. For this reason, the perennial should be transplanted after a few years. Opinions are divided here, it is recommended to change the location after seven to ten years, always depending on the composition of the earth. After this time, not only is the soil completely depleted, but the rhubarb has also increased in volume. The conversion brings with it various advantages:
- at the same time, propagation can take place
- the perennial is thereby generally rejuvenated
- the plant stays strong and a good harvest is guaranteed in the following years
- the soil can now regenerate with a different crop rotation
Nutrient deficits in the soil are mainly expressed in a lower harvest. With an average garden soil, the supply of nutrients is usually used up after seven years. Then it's time to transplant. The nutrient content of the soil should therefore be checked from time to time. Special soil laboratories prepare a soil analysis for this purpose. All you have to do is remove the soil from the garden:
- Soil analysis costs from €20
- Conducted every three to five years
- Time: early spring (beginning of season) or in autumn after harvest
- Taken from soil depths of 0 to 90 cm from different areas of the garden
- mix earth
- Put 500 g of mixed soil in a plastic bag in the laboratory
- Investigations are carried out with regard to the composition of the soil, nutrient content and pH value
- additional receipt of fertilizer recommendations
tip: The acidic stick vegetables are very healthy due to their vitamin and mineral content. In addition, it is low in calories. However, it may only be enjoyed cooked, as it contains oxalic acid. It is poisonous when consumed in excess.
time
The best time to turn rhubarb is at this time fall, from September to October. Because at this time the soil is still relatively warm and the plant can still grow well before the start of winter. Now the rhubarb is also taking a break, and it is then hardly visible on the bed. Alternatively, transplanting can also take place in the spring, preferably just before sprouting.
Right choice of location
Before each transplanting, the new location must be carefully selected so that the rhubarb can then grow well again and a rich harvest can be expected in the years to come. A few points must be observed:
- Sun to semi-shade
- warm and sheltered place
- as a deep rooter, a deep, nutrient-rich soil
- moist, well-drained substrate
- no waterlogging
- optimally high proportion of clay and sand
- slightly acidic pH between 5 and 6
- Likes to sit at the edge of the bed
In any case, rhubarb must not be moved to a place where there was already five years ago. Here the earth has not yet recovered sufficiently. A shady location is also only tolerated to a limited extent. The harvest there is very sparse. Only short rods appear, but oversized leaves.
tip: You can determine the pH of the soil yourself. No chemical knowledge is required for this. The test can be carried out using a pH soil test from the specialist store or hardware store or with indicator strips. Both work via a coloring reaction.
Properly divide perennials
After digging up the rhubarb shrub, it can be used for propagation at the same time. To do this, it simply has to be divided into several pieces. The best way to proceed is as follows:
- the best time to divide is when the first leaves are turning yellow
- After digging, cut into pieces with a sharp spade
- Portions should not weigh more than 1 kg
- each piece must have at least one bud, preferably two or three
- Buds must not have sprouted
- allow cut surfaces to dry before planting again, otherwise there is a risk of rotting
If the perennial is divided too early, the plant will not have enough time to grow properly before the start of winter, as it needs a lot of strength to do so.
Transplanting rhubarb: instructions
When it comes time to transplant rhubarb, it must be done with foresight and care, as it is expected to spend several years in the new location. Below are the step-by-step instructions for transplanting:
- first dig soil 70 cm deep
- remove all weeds
- Soil must be loose
- Dig a planting hole before digging up the plant
- Perennials should not remain in the air longer than necessary
- Planting hole must be twice the size of the root ball
- Work in the garden soil, compost and horn shavings dug into the planting hole
- Install drainage made of gravel, chippings or broken pottery at the bottom of the pit
- now dig up rhubarb widely
- remove old leaves
- If necessary, divide into 1 kg pieces with a sharp spade
- After dividing, let the cut surfaces dry
- Put the perennial in the planting hole, the buds must be 3 to 5 cm below the surface of the soil
- After planting, carefully tread down the soil
- Water generously, then water regularly
- Avoid waterlogging
- Application of a thick mulch layer of compost
An area of one square meter should always be planned per plant. The planting distance to other perennials must be at least 1 to 1.5 m.
tip: Rhubarb grows particularly well near spinach, peas, kohlrabi, beans or lettuce.
No harvest in the first year
Every change of location is associated with stress for the rhubarb. Then he needs one adjustment period, where he can get used to the new place and consequently grow properly. Therefore, it is recommended that no harvest should take place in the first year after implementation, only in the second year thereafter. Here then only limited to a few weeks from April to May. In the following year, the rhubarb will thank this "rest" for recovery with a rich harvest.
tip: Traditionally, the harvest takes place from April to St. John's Day, June 24th. You should not harvest after that, as oxalic acid forms more in the rhubarb. In high doses, this can lead to kidney damage, stomach problems, vomiting and circulatory problems.